French national energy debate: the think tank’s report

Magazine alternatives n°5, 2nd quarter 2004

Author : Pierre Castillon, Edgar Morin, Mac Lesggy, Publications : Ministère de l'Economie, des Finances et de l'Industrie
Publication date : 2003, 62 pages

A trio of "wise men" with very different backgrounds – Pierre Castillon, scientist and founding chairman of the Academy of Technologies, Edgar Morin, sociologist and philosopher, and Max Lesggy, television producer and entertainer – put together this report at the request of the French Minister of Industry in connection with the national energy debate.
It poses the question about France’s energy policy largely in social terms. Edgar Morin comments that, faced with an uncertain future, nuclear power is the crucial point of the debate, and that " although it certainly presents risks, like any other energy source, it also has advantages (no atmospheric pollution)."
As for the rest, the authors stress that an assessment of the worldwide outlook suggests that all energy sources will be needed to meet the planet’s rising needs.
Since renewable energies alone will not be sufficient to power this growth, France must maintain its position as technological leader in the nuclear field.
Available in French online at www.ladocumentationfrancaise.fr